Fields & Futures

PROJECT PURPOSE

Through MAPS4 support, Oklahoma City will build 4 new youth center buildings in the most vulnerable neighborhoods in the city. Fields & Futures will use ARPA funds to build the outdoor infrastructure needed to reduce historic inequities, exacerbated by the pandemic, to provide safe outdoor spaces for programming developed in partnership with the youth centers. Oklahoma ARPA funds will be used for the construction of the outdoor facilities like all-weather athletic fields and courts, walking trails, and outdoor STEAM learning installments like an outdoor theatrical stage. The Treasury Department has established that such an eligible use project will improve the academic, emotional, and mental health needs of children and youth disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

EVIDENCE

According to the U.S. Department of Education, providing supportive, engaging, and enriching environments with caring, trusted adults through community partnerships like after-school programs at youth centers keep kids safe and improve their academic outcomes and social development. A 2010 meta-analysis published examining 68 after-school programs found that participants did better on state reading and math achievement tests, achieved higher GPAs, and had higher school attendance. The same study revealed there was a 19% increase in graduation rates among participants.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

In 2019, Oklahoma was ranked 42nd in childhood wellbeing. The impact of the pandemic moved Oklahoma to 45th in childhood wellbeing. The disruptions in the school system moved Oklahoma from 45th to 48th in education. The change in routine and lack of programs deeply impacted childhood obesity in Oklahoma, and the state moved from 43rd to 49th in the health wellbeing of children. There are 176,393 youth living in Oklahoma City with a 19.5% poverty rate. Due to the lack of structure and the increased level of stress from the pandemic, it is imperative for marginalized communities to have organized opportunities. Youth participation in outdoor organized activities has significant benefits for children?s mental health and overall wellbeing. The participants are more likely to have higher academic achievement, commitment in the classroom, and graduation rates. These factors result in long-term wellbeing for children as they graduate and earn higher wages as an adult. OKCPS does not offer elementary and middle school students? afterschool outdoor organized activities. Partnering with city-supported infrastructure will provide students the afterschool structure required to provide youth with athletic and educational programming. The outdoor infrastructure will result in lower juvenile delinquency, dropouts, and behavioral issues.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

The project?s performance can be measured by completing the project on time and within budget with the outcomes of improved equity in access to youth programs. Data to be collected will include the required programmatic data for Infrastructure Projects and Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities listed in the Compliance and Reporting Guidance for SLFRF and by monitoring the completion of construction milestones by time and budget. Fields and Futures employs Dr. Amanda Templeton, who is an expert in federal financial compliance and program evaluation and will be responsible for establishing and overseeing data collection processes and reporting.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma